| Description | Bilophila wadsworthia is a rod-shaped, gram-negative microorganism that thrives in environments with moderate temperatures, typically ranging from 25°C to 37°C, making it a mesophilic organism. It is a chemoheterotroph, meaning it obtains its energy by breaking down organic compounds, its primary source of energy being the oxidation of glucose. This microbe produces energy through the process of fermentation, converting glucose into lactic acid, pyruvate, and acetic acid. Bilophila wadsworthia can be found in various body sites, including the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and respiratory tract, making it a generalist in terms of its habitat. It has been isolated from diverse species, including humans, mice, and dogs, indicating its ability to coexist with a range of hosts. This microbe is an obligate anaerobe, meaning it cannot survive in the presence of oxygen and instead thrives in low-oxygen or oxygen-free environments. It is sensitive to oxidative stress, which can damage its cell membrane and disrupt its metabolic processes. One of the notable characteristics of Bilophila wadsworthia is its ability to produce hydrogen sulfide gas as a byproduct of its metabolism. This gas is toxic to many other microorganisms and can create an environment that is unfavorable to their growth, allowing Bilophila wadsworthia to outcompete them for resources. In addition to its unique metabolic processes, Bilophila wadsworthia has been linked to various diseases, including gastroenteritis, respiratory infections, and septicemia. Its ability to produce hydrogen sulfide gas may contribute to the pathogenesis of these diseases, although further research is needed to fully understand its role. |
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